International Scientific Conference «Russia — Africa: Education, Science and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century»

The International Scientific Conference "Russia – Africa: Education, Science and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century" was held at St. Petersburg State Forest Technical University named after S.M. Kirov (SPbGLTU).

The event took place as part of the IV International Youth Forum "Africa in St. Petersburg" and gathered more than 150 participants, including representatives of the Government of St. Petersburg, leading scientists and experts, students and postgraduates from St. Petersburg universities originating from more than 20 African countries, including Guinea, Cameroon, Nigeria, Congo, Mali, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia and others.

Svetlana Viktorovna Tereshchenko, Director of the International Centre for Business and Education at SPbGLTU, moderated the plenary session.

At the opening ceremony, University Rector I.A. Melnichuk delivered a welcoming address. A greeting from E.D. Grigoriev, Member of the Government and Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg, was read out by Anna Vladimirovna Krasavtseva, Chief Specialist of the Committee.

Alla Lazarevna Mazina, Head of the Project Office of RAFU, spoke about the goals, objectives and key projects of the consortium.

Svetlana Viktorovna Tereshchenko shared SPbGLTU's experience of cooperation with forest-sector organisations of the United Republic of Tanzania. In addition, participants discussed the challenges and ways to overcome cross-cultural barriers, using Russian-Tanzanian projects as a case study.

The conference continued in thematic breakout sessions. In the session devoted to economics and sustainable development, new areas of cooperation were discussed, moderated by Olga Alekseevna Polyanskaya and Svetlana Viktorovna Tereshchenko.

In the environmental session, led by Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Kapitsa, participants examined issues of natural resources and adaptation to climate change.

In the session on digital transformation and technologies, led by Svetlana Sergeevna Kolmogorova, modern innovative solutions were discussed.

In the "Chemistry of the Future" session, chaired by Alexander Viktorovich Vasiliev, participants explored the prospects for creating new materials and biotechnologies aimed at sustainable use of natural resources and minimising environmental impact.

The conference served as a platform for exchanging experience and developing joint strategies to strengthen ties between Russia and Africa.